Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will CWS-CARES look different from CWS/CMS?
A: Yes. CWS-CARES will look and feel very different from CWS/CMS. CWS/CMS is a Windows-based, mainframe-dependent system, while CWS-CARES is a modern, web-based system built using Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) technology on Salesforce. Users new to Salesforce are encouraged to take the Salesforce navigation training before the CWS-CARES-specific training. CWS-CARES also introduces expanded features and integrations, including connections with Structured Decision Making (SDM), Case Management Assessment (CMA), and Foster Care Eligibility and Determination (FCED), with a more modern interface designed to make day-to-day tasks easier.
Q: When a data refresh occurs, will the most recent CWS/CMS data be loaded into CWS-CARES, or will the environment reset to the data originally loaded for Production Simulation?
A: The Project plans one or two refreshes only, when needed, recognizing counties' preference to minimize refreshes. When a full data refresh occurs, the most recent updates from all legacy systems will be converted and applied to the environment, giving counties another opportunity to validate the most recent data.
Q: At Go-Live, when CWS/CMS is in read-only mode over the weekend, which system will be the database of record?
A: The current plan is that CWS/CMS will enter read-only mode the Friday before Go-Live (the exact date and time are being finalized). By the Monday Go-Live, CWS-CARES will be the system and database of record.
Q: When CWS/CMS transitions to read-only before Go-Live, will there be a freeze over that weekend?
A: CWS/CMS will be in read-only mode during the weekend before Go-Live.
Q: Will counties be able to view and track their own staff's completion of Production Simulation training?
A: Yes. A tracking system will be provided for counties to track their staff's completion of training.
Q: For CWS/CMS functionality not integrated until CWS-CARES V2 (such as the S-Wraparound Program Special Project Code), where will counties enter that data when CWS/CMS is read-only?
A: The Project believes the special project code has already been implemented but will confirm whether anything remains outstanding. The goal is to ensure both the functionality in CWS/CMS and the associated data are in place. Counties with a specific scenario are encouraged to share it with the Project.
Q: Is there a timeline for phase 1 and phase 2 of onboarding, or does each county determine the length of each phase?
A: Phase 1 is starting in early May. Phase 2 will open after the end of May, once the converted data becomes available, as long as County Administrators are ready. The Project will share more as these dates are finalized.
Q: Since Structured Decision Making (SDM), CARES-Live, and Binti data is slated for summer 2026, will synthetic data for these systems be in the environment until then?
A: Counties are encouraged to practice using synthetic data — for example, CWS/CMS cases and referrals to initiate interfaces. Historical data within those interfaces will not be available.
Q: At Go-Live, what system will be available to document reports if CWS/CMS is read-only the weekend prior?
A: All CWS/CMS data entered on or before the Friday read-only mode begins will be converted to CWS-CARES and available on the Monday when CWS-CARES goes live. CWS-CARES will be available to document reports and provides a wide set of state forms and reports for users to generate, and counties have the option to create county-specific forms and reports.
Q: Will the test scenarios include examples relevant to child welfare, probation, and prevention populations?
A: The Project is actively preparing scenarios to mirror as many different aspects as possible and will communicate further as scenarios are finalized.